Why Sunderland for Psychology

We have several simulation and behavioural observation suites that can be used in research and in teaching. In our simulation suites, you can create a specific environment. For example, a crowded pub when studying addiction, or a calming mountain landscape when studying mindfulness. We can also incorporate scents to make your simulation as realistic as possible.

Other available specialist facilities include:

• Soundproof booths
• Eye-tracking laboratory
• Visual psychophysics laboratory
• The SkillsLab, a 30-seater IT suite
• Multimedia and games research room

We have a range of specialist equipment available, used for teaching, research, and conducting experiments. These include:

• Powerlab psychophysiological measurement equipment, which allows us to collect a range of physiological measures. For example, galvanic skin response, heart rate, and respiration rate
• A transcranial direct-current brain stimulation machine (tDCS)
• Specialist data analysis and experiment building software

The Living Lab boasts a unique immersive simulation room. It's a space where you can experience a range of simulated scenarios that are as close to reality as possible, in a safe environment where you can practise your skills.

An adjacent debrief room allows groups to observe the scenario in the Immersive Suite through a live stream (projected onto TV screens), and provide peer feedback and group discussion following the completion of the scenario.

Our Mental Health Ward replicates a real-world working environment. The ward includes bedrooms, a day room, a seclusion room, and a treatment room, where a range of mental health scenarios can be conducted, with supervision from staff.

Practising in safe scenarios such as this can keep you informed about the type of job roles you can pursue after you graduate.

There are a range of resources for Psychology, including:

• PsycARTICLES, from the American Psychological Association (APA) database containing full-text articles from over 50 peer-reviewed Psychology journals covering 1985 to the present
• Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, which is a database that provides nearly 575 full text publications and covers topics such as emotional and behavioural characteristics, psychiatry and psychology, mental processes, counselling, and observational and experimental methods
• Science Direct, which provides some full text access to scientific and technical peer-reviewed journals, with coverage is all aspects of science, including Psychology and Counselling
• Web of Knowledge, which provides access to ISI Web of Science, a multidisciplinary database of journal abstracts and citations from 1981 to date

Previous positions include:

• Research assistants at the University, in psychology as well as wider fields such as education
• Teaching assistants on psychology modules, such as supporting younger peers in stages one and two
• Planning, organising, and running events such as psychoeducational workshops
• Working in other University departments such as the Wellbeing Team and HR Support using the transferable skills offered by a psychology degree

Placements outside of the University offer a great opportunity for networking.

You could work as a research assistant, support with therapeutic interventions, work with offenders and their families, work alongside practitioners (such as Clinical Psychologists), and more.

Previous organisations we have placed students at include:

• North East Autism Society
• Headway
• Branches of the NHS
• First Contact Clinical
• NEPACs
• Schools across the North East
• Sunderland Recovery College
• Adult Autism Diagnostic Service
• Children North East